Good news: Kennedy has given little
consolation to his allies in the effort to pass sweeping legislation, a
goal that critics deride as “amnesty” for illegal workers. (It IS amnesty -- Ed.)
Sen. Edward Kennedy’s (D-Mass.) allies on immigration reform regard
his departure from the Judiciary Committee as a withering blow to their
cause and are searching for a new champion on the controversial issue.
Many
are interpreting his decision to focus on healthcare as a setback to
legislation that would put millions of illegal immigrants on a path to
citizenship. Kennedy’s own health has some speculating that the liberal icon sees
healthcare as his best chance to augment his legacy while he battles
brain cancer.
“I think it’s more than possible that he’s
gotten a little older and has health issues himself and that’s hit
home,” said Gabriela Lemus, executive director of the Labor Council for
Latin American Advancement. “He’s probably thinking about his legacy
and this is the last big thing.”
Some see his decision to
leave his post as chairman of the Judiciary Immigration subcommittee as
a sign that Democrats will hold off on the topic in the 111th Congress.
“I’ve had this conversation with a couple people and I would say
that Kennedy’s loss from the Judiciary Committee is disappointing,”
said Randel Johnson, vice president of labor, immigration and employee
benefits at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which was a major supporter
of Kennedy’s legislation. “It will adversely affect immigration reform
going forward. It indicates the chances of comprehensive reform
happening over the next few years are slim.”
But an aide to
Kennedy dismissed the notion that his boss would abandon immigration
reform altogether, noting that Kennedy promised to remain involved.
When
Kennedy announced that he would step down from Judiciary and give up
his gavel as chairman of the Immigration subcommittee, he said: “I
remain deeply committed to civil rights, equal opportunities and
immigration reform, and I will always be involved in those important
debates and discussions.”
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